Pontrieux
Pontrieux is a small town north of Guingamp, slightly inland from the coast of northern Brittany.
The linen and other industries once important here have now largely given way to tourism.
In an attractive setting, Pontrieux has an inland port which has contributed to its history as a prosperous and thriving town. Be sure to amble around the port during your visit.
The town itself is attractive, largely situated around two squares - one of which, the Place Mme Le Trocquer, has a 15th century medieval wood and timber building, the Maison de la Tour. This is known locally as the Eiffel Tower and is home to the Pontrieux Tourist Office and as the timber is painted bright blue you can’t miss it!
Pontrieux stretches along the banks of the River Trieux and prosperity in medieval times and beyond due to its position at the head of the estuary led to the building of many fine bourgeois houses. Each bourgeois house has its own lavoir - a special sink area on the edge of the river where the maid could do the family’s washing without having to go to a communal lavoir.
There are 50 lavoirs along the river, each of which has been restored and beautifully planted up with attractive flower displays. In between the houses and lavoirs the river banks are a mass of hydrangeas and gunneras making the river banks very attractive indeed. The town has been awarded 4 flowers in the ‘Ville Fleurie’ competition - the top award.
The best way to see the lavoirs is on a boat trip but take a walk along Rue St Yves and you see a nice selection. Cross the river on the St Yves bridge. On the 15th August each year a very popular 'fete des lavoirs' is held.
Also to see in Pontrieux:
- the Richel watermill (Moulin de Richel)
- the grand 'Hotel de Keruzec', dating from the 17th century.
If possible, visit Pontrieux also in the evening, when a boat trip along the river is an ideal way to see the town - many of the lavoirs, bridges etc are carefully lit with coloured light, giving a completely different perspective - albeit one that the original domestic staff who spent hours cleaning linen in the lavoirs might not recognise!
From the marina in Pontrieux it is possible to sail to the islands of Brehat, Jersey and Guernsey.
Visit Pontrieux (Brittany, Cotes-d'Armor) travel, gites and hotels
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The Pontrieux hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Pontrieux is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Brittany gites for Pontrieux holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Brittany Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Pontrieux for places to visit near Pontrieux including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Pontrieux in our Brittany forum Airports near PontrieuxDinard airport at 119 km Pontrieux property for saleSee Brittany property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Pontrieux
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Places to visit near Pontrieux, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Pontrieux.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
24 km: Ile Brehat (Island) 15 km: Paimpol (Recommended stopover town) 12 km: Treguier (Breton town)
See also Pontrieux (version Francais)
